Africa's rise in Phygital Football as Abu Dhabi 2025 draws near

Leading the charge is Phygital Football, a fast-growing discipline that blends on-field action with digital gameplay.

In an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital, Nis Hatt of Phygital International explains how the sport has evolved.

“From grassroots tournaments like Phygital Origins to national competitions like Phygital Rivals, we’ve now built a global ecosystem,” says Hatt.

The 2024/25 season alone saw tournaments in 30 countries, over 800 clubs, and more than 150 competitive events.

Africa’s momentum in the sport is evident. Six clubs from the continent, including Orlando Pirates Fives (South Africa), Aigles Phygital (Mali), and Team Ghana, have qualified for Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi, Football this July. They’ll compete for the remaining slots at the Games of the Future 2025.

Qualification for the tournament is based on points earned during the World Phygital Community season. The top two teams have already qualified directly, while others like Peñarol secured a spot as past champions.

The 2025 edition will take place at the ADNEC venue in Abu Dhabi, offering an immersive hybrid experience. Fans can expect elite matches, VR fan zones, cultural showcases, and cutting-edge tech integrations.

“The venue is ideal for hosting both the physical and digital layers of phygital sport,” notes Hatt, adding that this dual approach attracts a new generation of fans and athletes.

Phygital International is also expanding its portfolio with new disciplines like Phygital Racing and Phygital Fighting, aiming for inclusivity by focusing on familiar sports formats.

With support from event partners ASPIRE and Ethara, the sport is poised for further growth. Looking ahead, Astana is confirmed to host the 2026 Games of the Future, with bids from Brazil, Serbia, Uzbekistan, and South Africa for 2027.

“Our vision is for phygital sport to become part of everyday life,” says Hatt. “This is just the beginning.”